ROCKLEDGE, FL (August 28, 2013) – Health First is pleased to announce the Florida Department of Health (DOH) has named Health First Medical Group Trauma Surgeon Medical Director Dr. Ernest Block the State Trauma Medical Director.

As Trauma Medical Director, Dr. Block will assist the DOH with planning, development, implementation and evaluation of Florida’s Trauma System. This will include adult and pediatric trauma care, disaster preparedness, injury prevention and mass casualty response.

“Our state is very fortunate to have Dr. Block join our trauma team,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary for Health Dr. John H. Armstrong. “Dr. Block’s leadership and performance improvement expertise will help our state’s trauma system move forward for the benefit of all of Florida’s citizens and visitors.”

Dr. Block most recently served as Trauma Medical Director at Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center and will remain a member of the hospital’s Trauma Team. Dr. Block has served in several roles in the field of trauma care and is renowned statewide as a trauma surgeon, professor of surgery, as well as a published author and researcher.

The goal of the DOH is to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

About Health First

Founded in 1995, Health First is a not-for-profit and is Central Florida’s only fully integrated health system and employs more than 7,500 people and has four hospitals (including Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Hospital, Cape Canaveral Hospital and Viera Hospital). Health First Health Plans also offers a wide variety of health insurance plan options for Brevard and Indian River Counties. In addition, Health First is home to Brevard County’s only Trauma Center. Health First Medical Group is the largest multi-specialty physician group on the Space Coast. Health First offers numerous outpatient and wellness services, including four Pro-Health and Fitness Centers. Visit www.Health-First.org for more information.